Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday appealed to the Capital’s voters to re-elect Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that India becomes a world super power in the coming decade.
Mr. Singh was speaking at a public meeting in Shastri Park in support of the party’s North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari and East Delhi candidate Gautam Gambhir. While cricketer-turned-politician Mr. Gambhir attacked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of “befooling” the people of the Capital, Delhi BJP chief Mr. Tiwari termed the Aam Aadmi Party convener “the greatest liar in the world”.
“Today India has become the fastest growing economy under the leadership of Mr. Modi and our vision is that by 2030 we will become the third super power replacing Russia, China or America,” Mr. Singh said.
“Mr. Kejriwal made many promises to the people of Delhi, including Lokpal, but remained silent for a long time. Even after pressure from the BJP he formed a weak Lokpal... we need a strong government. I appeal to the people of Delhi and the country to help in forming a BJP government again and make India a super power,” he said.
Mr. Singh also took on the Opposition’s slogan ‘ Chowkidar Chor Hai ’. “I say Modi ka PM banna sure hai, ek wahi samasyaon ka cure hai, chaaron ore shor hai - Modi once more hai (Modi will surely become PM, he is the cure for all problems, everywhere there is one cry - Modi once more),” he said.
Central schemes
Taking the dais after the Minister, Mr. Tiwari accused Mr. Kejriwal and the Congress of seeking to get elected by “pleading the case of terrorists”. He also accused the AAP government of deliberately blocking the implementation of “beneficial” Centre-sponsored schemes in the Capital.
Stating that he sought the inspiration to enter politics from Mr. Modi, Mr. Gambhir took the opportunity to accept AAP’s East Delhi candidate Atishi’s challenge to a public debate on issues of relevance to the seat.
“I am not afraid of any debate... They may ask me for a debate in public any time. Mr. Kejriwal has befooled the people for four years,” Mr. Gambhir said. “We will not make false promises... we will do what we promise. I will not change Delhi into London or Paris but let Delhi remain Delhi; provide pure drinking water, clean air. We do not want power by playing with the emotions of the people,” he added.
